By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has tasked civilian personnel of the Ministry of Defence to remain vigilant and security-conscious, stressing their important role in safeguarding national security.
According to an official statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Musa gave the charge on Monday at a Town Hall meeting with staff at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister urged personnel to promptly report suspicious activities and maintain situational awareness as part of efforts to mitigate security risks within and around the ministry.
He encouraged staff to embrace the mantra, “See something, say something,” noting that civilian employees, alongside the Armed Forces, have a role to play in the country’s security architecture.
General Musa also called for stronger cooperation between civilian personnel and military officers, emphasising unity, teamwork and mutual respect in the discharge of the ministry’s mandate.
He said the engagement was established to promote direct communication between the ministry’s leadership and staff, identify operational gaps and address concerns affecting the workforce.
The Minister reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to improving the welfare and working conditions of civil servants, whom he described as the engine room of government.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, commended the Minister for initiating the engagement, saying it would strengthen open communication, discipline and collective responsibility.
The President of the Joint Executive Council of the Ministry of Defence Union, Mr. Dahiru Goronyo, presented staff concerns, including delays in third-party remittances, transportation challenges, training opportunities, promotion matters and entitlement arrears.
General Musa and his management team assured the staff that the issues raised would receive prompt attention and resolution.
The meeting was attended by Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, staff across all cadres and representatives of the media.
